UP, Safe Kids Worldwide Team Up on Rail Safety Video
Written by Carolina Worrell, Senior Editor
Conductor James Jackson Jr. from UP’s South Texas Service Unit drives home the value of rail safety in a Safe Kids Worldwide public service announcement. (Photo Courtesy of UP)
Union Pacific (UP) and Safe Kids Worldwide, a nonprofit whose coalitions conduct transportation safety education programs nationwide regarding child pedestrian, school bus, bike, railroad and passenger safety, have teamed up in a new rail safety video to drive home an important message for families: “Model rail safety, because ‘Nothing’ is worth more than your child’s life.”
“UP is proud to partner with Safe Kids Worldwide through a second multiyear partnership demonstrating the railroad’s commitment to the safety and wellbeing of communities within its operating footprint,” the Class I said.
Two UP rail safety advocates made their acting debut during the recent San Antonio, Texas, video shoot: Conductors James Jackson Jr. and David Welch.
“We all play a role in rail safety,” Jackson said. “Together, we can make a difference in the communities where we live and work.”
For Welch, seeing the project come together was a memorable and meaningful experience.
“If the video helps even one person remember to do the right thing at a railroad crossing, it was all worthwhile,” he said.
The Texas train crew professionals were selected for their great work exhibiting community engagement and a safety mindset.
“David has been a long-time public safety advocate in the Houston area and one of the world’s best team players,” said Buck Russel, Senior Supervisor-Public Safety, Safety. “James was nominated by Total Safety Culture (TSC) Facilitator Justin Winston; we knew he would be a great fit to represent UP and speak about rail safety.”
Russel gave an additional shoutout to the employees who helped behind the scenes, particularly the South Texas Service Unit TSC team, which helped participants stay safe throughout filming.
Safe Kids Worldwide was also appreciative of the collective effort.
“A huge thank you to Buck, David, James and the entire UP team, who were amazing collaborators on this project from beginning to end,” said Torine Creppy, President, Safe Kids Worldwide. “The UP crew went above and beyond to help produce a compelling and authentic video that will hopefully help us prevent more injuries and save more lives. Just another one of the many reasons why UP is a great partner for safety.”
